MOTIVATIONAL LETTER FOR DOCTORAL DEGREE IN ADAPTIVE

RADIOTHERAPY

Radiotherapy is a key cancer treatment strategy, but remains an underrepresented area of research
focus in the world. The Adaptive Radiotherapy is focused on radiotherapy research training and
capacity building. In this truly multidisciplinary cluster, I will have the opportunity to work with
experts from a wide variety of areas, such as, cancer therapy, and radiobiology, radiosensitiser
synthesis and validation, development and validation of novel imaging tracer, radiation treatment
plan modelling and radiology, clinical oncology.

In-depth understanding of the human anatomy and efficient treatment planning are just a few
benefits of radiotherapy. However, the dynamic nature of modern healthcare, human and societal
needs present challenges in developing radiotherapy. In line with this, there is the need to develop
effective and resilient radiotherapy techniques that can stand the test of time and offer invaluable
contribution patient care. It is therefore my fervent desire to pursue a doctoral degree in adaptive
radiotherapy in order to help champion this cause.

The tasks and skills involved in pursing PhD in such dynamic field are multifaceted. Research and
development of novel approaches to adaptive radiotherapy first requires strong theoretical
background and practical experience of the modalities involved. The developing adaptive
techniques that exploit correlation and complementarity between different modalities and detail
preservation entails image analysis and processing, analytical skills, software and electronics
know-how. In addition, excellent communications skills, structured working and team work are
very essential in such multi-national and -institutional environment.

The emphasis of my study from my undergraduate studies in physics with biomedical option was
to understand the basic fundamental physics principles and its applications. During my 4years of
study, I learnt about most of the important use of medical physics principles used in today’s health
services.

I personally took up keen interest in Medical physics because I was fascinated with the way physics
principles is combined with those of biology and medicine, to effect better diagnosis and treatment
of human diseases while ensuring the safety of the public, patients and those caring for them,
responsible for the technical foundations of radiology, nuclear medicine, incorporate both
theoretical and experimental methods but inherently an applied discipline and it is built on
foundation of physics. My dream was actually to be in either the health or technology sector, it
was in my high school days I realized I had an upper arm in physics which lead me to offer this
course in the university. I believe the health sector has its own role to play in our ever growing and
exciting industry with a whole lots of prospects.

Undergoing the educational system of a third and first world country (Ghana-Africa and UK) has
enrooted in me unique qualities that are needed for success. Dedication, perseverance, teamwork,
open-mindedness and diligence are essential traits which propel me forward in spite of difficulties.
I strongly believe that the above-mentioned qualities will give me the psychological and physical
strength to succeed in this program. My long term goal is to be actively involved in research and
teaching in an area that I love and also clear the deadly perception people have with radiation. My
interest lies in health and safety of individuals, quality of service, research and development, and
teaching.

The undergraduate curricular in physics introduced me to a wide variety of biomedical physics

courses like medical physics, radiobiology, healthy physics, biomedical laboratory, biophysics,
Nuclear physics, etc., provided me with a strong footing to be able to pursue my ongoing master’s
programme in Medical physics at University of Aberdeen and I seek to pursue PhD. The choice of
programme of study stems from how the programme has been designed to build the students’
knowledge in the area of clinical service and consultation and also to teach students the skills of
scientific research and development. This coupled with the emphasis of the programme in
diagnosing and treatment, general medical significance, development of new instrumentation and
technology, help train future medical physicist, resident physicians and also technologist who
operates the various equipment used in diagnosis and treatment.

University of Hull is one institution committed to the equal and fair consideration of all
applicants, carrying out the light by its renewed focus on excellence in teaching and learning,
research, transformative students, being an internationally based anchor institution for
surrounding countries and recognized for academic excellence that empowers people to shape
the futures with medical education that benefit patients and society, healthcare practice and
practitioners and the healthcare education community nationally and internationally.
The above is what urged me to apply to this prestigious institution, because it’s in line with my
long term career goal. I also believe the research skills I will acquire following my MSc Thesis
will be pertinent in helping me carry out PhD degree in medical physics and radiotherapy
applications, theories and techniques.

Keeping in mind my long term goals, my immediate objective is to complete my Master’s degree
in Medical Physics and proceed to PhD. I am aware of the kind of dedication, perseverance and
resolve I need to have for a fruitful career in research and teaching. I believe that being a part of
your department would not only enrich my career, but would also give me the proper footing for
such a career. I further feel that as a PhD student at your university, I can avail myself of numerous
career opportunities.